White Wind (29 page)

Golden Eagle stood apart from the others, staring out into the inky blackness, fighting the demons of despair. His hands rested on his hips as he tipped his head back, flexing his shoulders in a circular motion, working the tension from the taut muscles of his neck and shoulders.

He eyed the gray blanket above that blocked the light of
Hanwi.
They needed the light from the sky this night. Silently, he sent a prayer to
Wakan Tanka,
the Great Spirit, to watch over his love and keep her safe until he caught up with the evil one that had taken her. Anger filled him, and immediately he concentrated on stifling that emotion. The time would come to give his anger free reign. But right now, he needed to keep a clear head. His mind had to be free to think and plan.

He slumped slightly, leaning against his horse for support. A hand rested upon his shoulder and tore him from his dark thoughts. He turned slowly, and his troubled glance met the equally worried glance of Chief White Cloud.

“Come eat, my son. We will catch them. We ride much faster then they do. Already we have gained on them.
Wakan Tanka
will watch over my daughters. He would not lead me to the daughter that I gave life to so long ago just to take her from me before allowing me to claim her as my blood and flesh.”

Golden Eagle watched as White Cloud absently fingered the carving of a tiny windflower he said he’d given to Wild-Flower when she’d turned thirteen winters.

Soon after leaving the village the band of warriors had come to a complete stop when they’d spotted the necklace in the middle of the trail. White Cloud and Running Wolf knew it was Wild-Flower’s way of letting them know she was following White Wind’s captors. Soon after, they’d begun to spot the beads she’d been dropping regularly.

“Your daughter is very brave to follow,” Golden Eagle now said in praise, unable to believe that this was Sarah’s, no, White Wind’s father.

“Yes. I will praise her for her quick thinking and cunning. Her bravery has saved much precious time. However, my daughter still has some explaining to do as to why she left our home in the night. Although I can guess it might have something to do with a warrior named Red Fox. Is this not so? This warrior seems very concerned about Wild-Flower.”

Golden Eagle started. “You are very wise, Chief. Red Fox is the one Wild-Flower wishes to marry.” He looked over at Red Fox, who, like he, was dealing with concern for a loved one.

Nodding his head toward the others, White Cloud took Golden Eagle by the arm, forcing him to return with him. “You wish to take as wife my daughter known as Sarah?” he quietly probed.

“Yes, Chief White Cloud. I love Sarah and she returns my feelings. But from now on, you must call her White Wind, the name given to her by my mother. Her vision said this woman would become my helpmate for this walk on Mother Earth. The Great Spirit has crossed our paths not once, but twice. I believe it is for this purpose. I ask that you allow me to take White Wind as my wife,” Golden Eagle respectfully said.

Stopping suddenly, White Cloud eyed Golden Eagle in his most forbidding manner. Drawing himself to his most imposing height, he replied, “White Wind is a most fitting name for the daughter of White Cloud. There is no question or doubt that you
shall be joined. White Wind is the eldest daughter of this chief. The agreement between our tribes is for the eldest son of Hawk Eyes and the eldest daughter of White Cloud to marry and join the tribes and wipe out the shame of the past. This agreement will be carried out.”

A sparkle deep within his dark eyes took any sting from his words. “Now, none lose honor. The agreement will be carried out as it was meant to be.”

Chuckling despite the grave circumstances, Golden Eagle followed in the wake of the wise chief and forced food and water past his lips. He would need his strength when they caught up to the white men. Tracks now suggested there were five horses plus Wild-Flower’s. All too soon, they were back on the trail, clouds of billowing dust swirling beneath pounding hooves, kicking dirt and small rocks behind them. The dried earth blurred under scorching rays from above. The prairie floor sped by as they thundered onward. Miles were covered quickly, and soon the flatness gave way to denser growth, sloping upward, forcing the horses to slow.

Slowing his spirited stallion, Golden Eagle nudged his horse toward the sound of rushing water as he signaled for another rest. Two warriors dismounted and on foot disappeared beneath the thick low-hanging branches.

They returned a few minutes later with the given signal that all was safe, and the rest of the large group dismounted and led their sturdy mounts to the river.

Refreshing himself after seeing to his horse, Golden Eagle stared as gurgling water rushed past him. They had passed the forked river, and soon this water would join the large river, the one the white man called the Missouri.

He was thankful the trail followed water. As hard as they were pushing their horses, the unlimited water supply was a blessing.

Rising, he surveyed the others as they sat in small circles and chewed pemmican or jerked meat. Silence prevailed as each took advantage of the brief respite from the hard traveling that had started the day before. No one had slept, but a strong healthy warrior could go days without sleep when the need arose.

His eyes fell to his father. He shook his head as he knew his father would not admit to the tiredness he felt. Golden Eagle knew his father would soon step down as chief. Many times had he brought up the fact that the tribe needed fresh young blood to lead them against the rising numbers of whites that were settling along the many rivers leading to their sacred hills.

Pulling out his pouch of refreshment, Golden Eagle too ate in silence. Popping the last bite of dried buffalo meat into his mouth, he rose. Squaring his shoulders, head held high, he called for all to gather round.

Commanding full attention from the others, Golden Eagle drew in the loose dirt with a sharp stick.

Pointing with one finger, Golden Eagle followed the line that was the stream they now followed, showing where it would join the larger body of water. He placed a rock to show where they were. Adding another rock to a small mound of dirt, above the large river, he explained.

“This is where White Wind lived in her white man’s wood home. This is where the white captors now head.” Golden Eagle marked a path in the dirt connecting the two marks.

“We must separate. There is a shortcut I will take to the white man’s home.” He grew silent as he marked the way over the ridge in the near distance. “I will be there waiting.” He tapped the shortcut he proposed. It would not be an easy trip, but it would be faster. “The rest can follow Wild-Flower’s trail along the rivers.”

He and all the other warriors had been very impressed with the girl’s courage and cunning. Looking at Red Fox as he squatted down to join them, Golden Eagle saw the pride shining in his friend’s eyes.

“I have been to this place two times,” he continued. “I will lead my warriors there. Chief White Cloud, you and your warriors follow the white men and your daughters.”

Chief White Cloud nodded. “It is a good plan. You are as smart and cunning as your father, Golden Eagle. However, I will ride with you. I wish to be there when the white trapper and his band arrive with my daughter.”

Speaking up, Chief Hawk Eyes voiced his agreement to the plan. “I will lead the rest of the warriors with your son at my side, Chief White Cloud. We will trap the whites between us. They will not be able to escape us.”

Gathering their horses, White Cloud took his spot next to Golden Eagle with fierce-looking warriors flanking them as they raced to reach the ranch before Sarah’s kidnappers.

It was well past noon before Willy called another halt. The five men and four horses halted beneath the shade of a few trees.

Tom’s horse had gone lame just after the last rest, nearly injuring its rider as it stumbled. Turning the horse free, Hank and Tom had doubled up. They didn’t dare shoot the lame beast for fear the gunshot would be heard miles away. Luckily, none had seen the rock that had been fired from a crude sling and had struck the beast in the leg.

“Hey, Willy, do ya think we lost ’em?” Tom asked the question they all were thinking.

Willy frowned as he looked around. “Don’t know. Too early to tell. We rest for only a few minutes.” Willy ignored the groans from the others as he refilled his canteen.

His lips curled in anger as he glanced over at Sarah, who sat tall and proud as she fearlessly met his narrowed eyes.

Willy closed the distance between them and stood staring down at her. His eyes traveled over her filthy and torn Indian garb. His fingers reached out and pulled at her snarled and matted hair. “Not so beautiful anymore, are ya, bitch. Ya looks like your mother did the day John brought her home. All filthy and smelly.”

Snarling, Willy threw the canteen at her feet. His eyes narrowed as Sarah defiantly kicked the proffered water away.

Picking up the dirt-covered canteen, Willy growled, “I won’t have you dyin’ or turnin’ weak yet, girl. Drink or I’ll pour it down your throat. What I have in mind for you ain’t an easy death. Dyin’ from lack of water is too good for you. By the time me an’ the boys are done, you will have wished you’d never gone against me.”

Her hands untied, but bound at the waist to the tree, Sarah picked up the canteen and drank. She knew better than to push Willy too far. She had to stay alive for Golden Eagle and their baby.

“You won’t get away with this, Willy. Golden Eagle will kill you and anyone else who touches me,” she warned him, loud enough for all to hear.

Sarah refused to show it, but she was scared. Willy was insane and therefore unpredictable. In his present state, he was dangerous. But Sarah knew if she cowered before him, it would feed his wrath and hatred, spiraling it out of control. No, she had to stay calm. She was slightly reassured knowing Wild-Flower was following, leaving an easy trail for others to follow.

Sarah refused to meet the calculating glances thrown at her from the others. Her warning brought laughter. The looks she’d been receiving caused shivers of fear to tear at her insides. They wanted her in the most primitive way a male wanted a woman. There would be no mercy from this group. They were like wild animals hunting and feeding on the helpless.

They had the look of hungry wolves stalking a prey that was trapped against a wall with no place to run or hide.

She knew she was to be their next victim. Willy had been hinting at it all day. He knew that her fear would grow with each hint and barb he tossed her way.

Grabbing Sarah, Willy threw her back onto his horse and swung up behind her. Sarah sat stiffly in front of him. She would not voluntarily lean against him. Willy’s temper snapped. His eyes gleamed with evil as he roughly yanked her against his chest. His arm circled tightly around her waist. “It’s no good fighting me, dear Sarah. I’ll break you, have ya begging for mercy. Soon, you’ll see.”

Jerking his head to indicate the others behind them, Willy taunted her. “And when I’m done, maybe I’ll allow them boys to sample what’s left.” Willy laughed when he felt Sarah’s involuntary shudder.

Placing a hand boldly over her breast, he applied enough pressure to cause pain. Untying the dress at the neckline, he pulled the dress away so he could have an unobstructed view, his hold on her warning her not to fight him.

Slipping his roughened hand inside to maul her tender flesh, Willy laughed when Sarah stiffened.

Sarah swallowed her fear and revulsion. Willy wanted her to fight, to show her fear of him. She needed to keep her mind centered on Golden Eagle. He would save her. Surely he was following and would catch up soon.

She breathed a sigh of relief as Willy’s hand left her body, giving up his torment for now as he urged the horse into a full gallop. He’d had his fun for now. Discreetly, she managed to pull the front of her dress closed.

Harry watched the others gallop away, and stared behind them. His instincts told him something was wrong. He’d caught several of Sarah’s glances behind them whenever she’d thought no one was watching.

He rode deep into the trees and dismounted. Concealed among the low-growing shrub, he calmly waited.

He didn’t have long to wait before his suspicions were confirmed. They were being followed. He frowned when he saw only one Indian following. A young girl at that. He watched as she disappeared in the wake of the others.

Still, he waited for a few minutes. No one else followed. Grinning, he kept to the other side of the stream. Silently he followed the Indian girl as she kept pace with the others.

When she stopped in the late afternoon, Harry knew Willy had called another halt to rest the horses. The horses were nearing exhaustion from the fast, unrelenting pace. Good thing they were nearing the end of this headlong flight.

Picking up a thick branch, Harry crept on silent feet toward the unsuspecting squaw as she slowly made her way forward.

Wild-Flower crept forward, following voices. As the voices grew louder, she stopped. Stretching, she waited.

The snap of a twig had her whirling about. But it was too late. She never saw the club that knocked her unconscious.

Minutes later, Harry rode in to join the others. He rode right up to Willy and ignored the gasps of excitement from the others upon seeing a woman slung over his lap.

He addressed Willy. “We’ve been followed. Caught her tailing us. She’s probably been following since we took her,” Harry finished grimly, nodding his head toward Sarah.

Hank, Red and Tom all grinned and shouted.

“Now, there’s more to go around.”

“I gets first taste of that one.”

“Wow, she’s a real beauty.” They stared eagerly at the unconscious girl draped over the horse’s back as Harry dismounted.

Marching over to the trio, Willy stood, hands on his hips, in disgust at their denseness. “You jackasses. This means that others may be following her.”

His eyes narrowed. “I’ll decide what’s to become of her later. Old Timer, take her on your horse. Tie and gag her so she can’t yell when she comes to. Also, check her real good for weapons.” He’d not take any chances the way Tom’s brother had done.